Not a Burden

7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. 11 And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

2 Corinthians 11:7-11 ESV

In these verses the Apostle Paul was writing to the Corinthian church, and was differentiating himself from others who called themselves "Super Apostles." One of the areas of differentiation was that Paul did not place any financial obligations on the Corinthians, like the Super Apostles. Paul was willing to work as a tent maker on the side, and explains that he also "robbed other churches"; simply meaning that he already had monetary support from Macedonia so there was no reason to ask for additional funding. Presumably the Super Apostles were more driven by financial gain (i.e. greed), than their love for the people.

As Christians motives matter. For we know that God looks upon our hearts. When it comes to money, we must guard against greed.

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